Lola's garden stone

This year, I have just been a terrible blogger. I am so behind on so many posts. I keep telling myself I am going to get caught up--but I feel like I am lying to myself each time! Ha! Well....here goes yet another attempt.

We had a great visit from Grandma 'Nette and Grandpa a few weeks ago, and Lola finally got her chance to make her very own garden stone.  If you remember, Grandma 'Nette has done this with ALL of our boys (ALL of the grandchildren, actually) and Lola--who has patiently waited and admired her brothers for months now--couldn't wait to get started! 

First, Grandma and Grandpa got the concrete all mixed and poured into the mold.

Yes, my daughter has no clothes on....didn't want them ruined.

(And also? Sometimes, that's just how we roll.)

Lola did VERY well, smushing her handprint in!

All three of our boys, upon feeling the cement beneath their fingers, immediately balled up their fists....

....but Lo kept her hands nice and flat--and her hand prints turned out great because of it!

Everyone got all the cement cleaned off....

....and then paused for a cute picture!

Lola then got to choose her 'bling' for her stone.

With a little help, she carefully began placing the pieces....

....while Grandma hand-stamped the message.

This was definitely Lola's favorite part of the process.

I am certain she would have just kept adding....and adding....and adding....

until there was literally NO MORE SPACE!

It turned out beautifully, as you can see!

Lola loved the time spent on her special craft....

....and I love the addition to my front flower bed.

(All complete now!)